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Roy Hibbert Doesn't Shake Hands After Game 7 Loss

Roy Hibbert headed straight for the locker room Monday after the Pacers 99-76 loss to the Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, bypassing any congratulatory handshakes or hugs.

The Indianapolis Star reported that Hibbert didnt mean any disrespect to the Heat with his quick exit.

I know some of our guys have played on teams with some of them, but I dont know them personally, Hibbert explained. It was their moment because they won. I have tremendous respect for them, but I dont know any of those guys personally and I didnt want to interrupt their moment.

A number of Pacers players, including All-Star forward Paul George and guard Lance Stephenson, exchanged handshakes with members of the Heat after the final buzzer.

After faring well against LeBron James for much of the series, Hibbert said the 2013 MVP was simply too much to handle in the series-clinching victory.

It was Game 7, he turned it on, Hibbert said of James, who finished with a game-high 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Those guys have been battle-tested. Unfortunately we lost, but theyve been through it before, and I think all their guys were making the right plays and making game-winning plays, because theyve been through it before.

Still, Hibbert is part of an Indiana core that is well-positioned to make multiple deep playoff runs. He signed a four-year extension with the Pacers last summer, joining fellow starters George, Stephenson and George Hill, who are all under contract through next season. David West, the fifth piece of the puzzle, indicated Monday that he wants to re-sign with Indiana in free agency this summer.

Its unfortunate we lost, but I couldnt be prouder of this team, Hibbert said. We pushed each other in practice every day. We tried to get better every possession during the game. The future is bright.